The Western Kentucky University football team returned to Houchens Industries-L.T. Smith Stadium this week in full pads for the first of two scheduled practices. The morning session proved to be extremely up-beat and spirited, something head coach David Elson felt was important.

"It was good. I wanted to see our guys fight and our defense needs to toughen up, so we put them in some tough situations," said Elson. "I thought our offense did a great job at times and our defense finally rebounded and rose up a bit. There has to be some failure for us to be able to improve and correct things. I think we definitely got better today."

Elson also announced on Monday that six true freshman will play for the Hilltoppers in 2009. Josh Carter, Chuck Franks, Kareem Peterson, Jamal Forrest, Cole Tischer and Ed Hazelett were all announced as members of the 2009 recruiting class that will not be redshirted.

"These six guys are going to have significant roles on our football team," said Elson. "We wouldn't do it if we didn't think they could help us win. We are excited about this entire freshman class, but we just have to focus on 2009 right now."

The Hilltoppers will continue in preparation for the season opener against Tennessee, with an afternoon practice scheduled for Tuesday, before a morning and an afternoon practice on Wednesday.

WKU, the newest of 120 Football Bowl Subdivision Members, is eligible for a post-season bowl berth and the Sun Belt Conference championship in 2009. The Hilltoppers open the 2009 season at Tennessee on September 5 at 11:21 a.m., and opens the home portion of its schedule the following week against South Florida at 6:30 p.m.

WKU's 511-337-30 all-time record in 90 seasons of football equates to .600 winning percentage, ranking 26th among all 120 Division I Football Bowl Subdivision schools and tops in the Sun Belt Conference. WKU's 948 APR in football is also higher than all other Sun Belt Conference programs.